home feature

Saving a crumbling Palmerston North villa was a labour of love for this pair of professional renovators who had a clear vision for their heritage home.

This new-build makes a bold statement on the outside, but inside it’s warm, welcoming and designed to create the ultimate Kiwi childhood.

This candy-coloured home makes you smile whether you’re inside or out.

An Auckland couple were inspired by the 'tiny house movement' and began a DIY journey to build a home on wheels.

A home in the hills above Muriwai provides the ideal rural retreat for a couple in need of an escape from city living In the quest to find balance between city and country life, Hannah Gordon and her husband Brooke found it was possible to combine the best of both worlds. Together, they have created […]

An Auckland restored villa has blossomed over the past three years and is now the merriest of places to be for the Goddard family. For Josh and Fiona Goddard, Christmas this year will be their most exciting yet. For the first time, they get to celebrate as a family of four, including adorable toddler Billie […]

The decorations are up and the kids excited to spend Christmas in their mid-century inspired home To say the least, this was an ambitious project – a couple with three young children deciding to tackle their vision of designing and building every corner of their home. And so it was that Megan and Mike Fishwick […]

A dark and unwelcoming Despicable Me-type villa was reanimated into an Auckland family’s dream home The calm feeling that envelops you as you walk into Chloe and Shaun Lincoln’s home belies the hard work that went into making it the serene space it is today. The 1910s villa wasn’t always this polished – in fact, […]

An ’80s suburban bungalow in Cape Town was given a charming makeover by its owner Kirsten Goss with the use of colour, quirk and a disco ball Rows of cacti, china dogs, a wacky cluster of retro flush-mounted lights on the wall, and a glass cabinet brimming with vintage cameras – all before you have […]

A white bathroom with dated vinyl and a small showerbox simply didn’t cut it for colour-loving Nikki Kettle, who’s transformed the ensuite into an engaging new space     Nikki Kettle doesn’t mind a challenge. The builder, and DIY expert for Your Home and Garden, has already painted and then repainted a giant mural in […]

Moving from a studio in a caravan to a heritage-listed central city building has given a Whanganui artist Fleur Wickes room to breathe and create Whanganui-based artist Fleur Wickes has always been a great believer in writing down what you want. So, when she found herself outgrowing a tiny 1950s caravan that she used as […]

Take a tour of style aficionado and TV personality Neale Whitaker’s freshly renovated home After 10 years of holidaying in rental properties, Love It or List It Australia host Neale Whitaker and his partner David Novak-Piper decided to take the plunge and relocate from their home in Sydney. It was here in this blessed location […]

As the weather warms in the Antipodes, a nature-loving interior designer and her family in Sussex celebrate the cosy pleasures of an English Christmas When searching for zero cost, sophisticated festive styling ideas, interior designer Maria Le Mesurier, the creative force behind WoodEdit, likes to make her home Christmas ready using nature’s best. “Dressing our […]

Driven by a highly refined taste and a love for plants and flowers, a TV producer has radically refurbished a basement apartment “I really wanted to create a space that felt completely separate from the bustling city outside,” says Rosie Rockel, who works in the entertainment industry as a television producer, when asked about her […]

Co-founder of The Hello Cup, Robyn Mclean’s modern Hawke’s Bay townhouse is filled with wit and whimsy, and a reflection of its fun and colourful inhabitants  ‘Impulsive’ is one adjective that might be used to describe Robyn McLean and Jol Bates. They’ve heard a few others too – reckless and radical, as well as instinctive, […]

A well-travelled Auckland family’s light and airy home, which overlooks a valley, features beautiful reminders of their overseas trips Far-flung destinations might be off the table for now but for freelance writer Helene Ravlich and her family, every day at home reminds them of their travels. She and husband Jooles Clements bought their early 1900s […]

There’s no place like home for this young family, who have breathed glorious new life into their cottage home What began as the chance to transform a dilapidated cottage into a dream home to be sold to another family, soon became so much more for builder Dale Cheesman and his wife Gemma Sampson. To the […]

Childhood memories of the bush and nature inspired the design of this cool home Jane Power grew up on large farm and, as an adult, had visions of waking up and looking out her bedrooom window at lots of trees, something she’s finally managed to do in her new home by award-winning architect David Boyle. […]

After many years living abroad, a small but perfect Auckland cottage caught the homeowner’s eye After years of working abroad, Gretchen Young knew exactly the kind of home she wanted to live in when she returned home to New Zealand: sun-drenched, character-filled and close to all the action in central Auckland. It didn’t take long […]

A husband-and-wife design team dramatically transformed their cramped and dated bungalow To look at the sleek timber lines of this home in a small seaside town, you’d never know that a few years ago it was a pokey 1970s bungalow with a cramped, complicated layout. “People who knew the house from before we bought it […]

Industrial style, a little French country and grunge luxe is mixed to perfection in this spacious family home in Masterton Building a house from scratch isn’t an easy endeavour, but after working on their first home and loving the process, Masterton locals Danielle (Dani) and Johnny Burkhart took a gamble the hot property market would […]

A would-be holiday house became a cosy home when this family decided to swap busy city life for adventures in Wanaka For a family that loves getting outdoors and having adventures, suffering through Auckland’s busy commute every working day can only be endured with a ‘grin and bear it’ attitude for so long. The remedy […]

A Wellington couple transformed their little bungalow into a bright new home – but not without plenty of hard graft                   When Ryan and Hannah Frost first clapped eyes on the 1925 Island Bay bungalow they now call home, it wasn’t exactly love at first sight. “It […]

Intent on creating a luxe holiday at home vibe, an Auckland couple took inspiration from coastal Hamptons sophistication and Hawke’s Bay landmark Black Barn Vineyards While most of us look forward to escaping everyday life with long weekends in the holiday hotspots of Hawke’s Bay or Queenstown, Sarah and Matt Cotterall took it one step […]

Renovating a home with hubby who likes to tear things apart and two tiny ‘helpers’ has its own challenges and blessings. See the before and afters of their reno below When teacher Hayley and firefighter Isaac first met they were living on opposite coasts. Hayley was based at Mt Maunganui, while Isaac was in Taranaki […]

After leaving their large family home, this Auckland couple found their new forever place in a smaller character home where their art could take the stage Make-up artist Lisette Cross is used to translating the wants and needs of clients, using her flair for colour and composition. Her creative background and years of experience came […]

Statement pieces, a touch of whimsy and a tactful approach to colour ensure personality reigns in this two-storey, city-fringe apartment Crafting a comfortable, stylish home out of an apartment isn’t always easy. Even if you’re the owner, you can be restricted with what you can change in terms of the structure, and space is often […]

This barn-style house in Wanaka is designed to foster golden childhood memories with its cosy nooks, easy flow and semi-rural vibe. A site close to town with a rural aspect was too good to pass up for Anna Findlay, a Wanaka real estate agent for Ray White and mum of Estelle and Jake. “I had […]

A ’50s home, complete with garish Axminster carpet and lino, receives a family-pleasing modern update with help from a beautiful beige and blush palette When Amie Brodie first moved into her new family home in Otūmoetai, Tauranga, she didn’t feel confident they could make it work – despite husband Anthony assuring her of its potential. […]

Decorative paint guru Annie Sloan takes us through her Normandy home which, as you’d expect, is a rainbow of colours You may recognise Annie Sloan’s name from the side of a paint tin of her eponymously named paint. As a fine artist-turned-decorative artist she wanted to create deliberately undetectable restorations and head-turning murals in houses […]

A century-old Californian-style bungalow in New Brighton, which fell into disrepair after the quakes, is restored to perfection Damaged by the earthquakes, boarded up for three years and stripped by vandals, the century-old, two-and-a-half storey California bungalow in New Brighton was rather down at heel when Matthew Ayton and Tanya Boe bought it as-is at […]

Hard work and a savvy budget has helped this first-time homeowner transform her ’70s brick unit one room at a time. See the before and afters below When Rebecca Hall clapped eyes on the 53sqm 1970s Huntly brick unit in New Plymouth, she saw the opportunity to star in her very own The Block NZ, […]

Building their new home in a laid-back setting was important for this family, and the arrival of a baby and puppy made it a priority Ellen Wilburn and her now husband Adam realised they shared many things in common when they first met, but the one similarity that genuinely resonated was Titirangi, where they grew […]

A love of old homes and all things curvy has seen this determined couple design a new-build that’s full of character. Take a tour below If it were to be given a title, Olivia Sullivan and Sam Kennedy’s new build would be “The Great Balancing Act of 2020”. It begins with the design, which called […]

Author Alice Nelson and her husband Danny saw great potential in this home. Their recent renovation is the latest update in a century-long tale of transformation. Author Alice Nelson used to write in cramped studios and at noisy public libraries, always dreaming of having a library in her own home. It would be a peaceful […]

A creative couple designed and built their forever home in Gibbston Valley, with space for all the family including the horses For Laura Shallcrass, having a house in the hills with space for horses was always a dream. Settled in Queenstown for the past 12 years with her husband, architectural designer Robbie Dick, Laura, who […]

A carefully considered extension to a compact bungalow has given an Auckland family some much-needed breathing room – and extra display space Michelle Hall Collins and Michael Collins are “serial renovators”, but they may have done themselves out of jobs. The Aucklanders have spent almost 20 years having their 1930 bungalow in the city’s seaside […]

Painted breeze blocks and wooden battens have transformed this retro family home.

Completely private from the front, this home opens out to the private garden through sliding doors and raked windows. With no windows you can casually peer into from the road, Tim and Polly Dagg’s home is a mystery by day. “One of my pet hates is having big windows facing the street and looking into […]

The character features in this classic bungalow have been given the most elegant update. We talk to the homeowner and interior designer to get all the details Meet + greet Emily White, 44 (sales manager at Les Mills), David McKellar, 48 (general manager, corporate travel), and Molly, 9, plus cats Colin and Malcolm. Problems & […]

Time, effort and an expert way with textiles has helped transform an early 1900s house situated on the edge of a hill in Auckland into a cosy family home In 2010, Meredith and Michael (Mike) planned to renovate a tiny Auckland bungalow the couple owned. Unfortunately, the cost of the project kept escalating and after […]

Armed with a paint brush, this homeowner transformed her idyllic rural home room by room while her children napped. See the before and afters below After selling their quake-damaged home in Christchurch, Sofie and Daniel Isherwood were looking for an escape from the damage recovery and roadworks in their area. In February 2014, they found […]

Footwear designer Kathryn Wilson had to tear herself away from her beloved little townhouse, but she has found a forever home in this grand old dame Kathryn Wilson is not afraid of colour. Colourful footwear is the gregarious shoe designer’s calling card and her must-see fashion shows are a playful parade of models clad in […]

A new home in the charming locale of Greytown, Wairarapa, is designed to be as inviting as a boutique retreat Whether it’s savouring a glass of fine wine or sinking into a good book on a sumptuous couch, everything seems better when you’re on holiday. So why not bring a little bit of that leisurely […]

Masters at making every dollar count, this family have worked wonders on a classic split-level house that no one else wanted When Nita Pearson and partner Francis Scordino were looking for a home, they saw potential where others saw problems. “We needed a four-bedroom, two-bathroom house with a boys’ backyard that sat within our budget,” […]

Over the years Herbst Architects have made a name for themselves and their distinctive architectural style. Here are 10 of our favourite houses by the award-winning duo Lance and Nicola Herbst of Herbst Architects have become a regular feature in architectural magazines over the years. After moving to New Zealand from South Africa over 20 […]

From run down to remarkable, this special Mt Maunganui home shows what’s possible with a bold vision — and hard work Meet and Greet John Price, 40 (works in landscaping and construction), Brydie Price, 38 (flight attendant), Miila, 17, and Spencer, 15, plus puppies Pedro and Chica. If there’s one thing to take from hearing […]

In just two months, this dark, smoke-stained cottage in Taupo was transformed into a sweet and soulful character home on a super-tight budget Meet & greet  Selena McWilliam, 33 (business owner and interior designer), Michael, 44 (builder), and Jordyn, 10. Why did you purchase the house? Selena: I fell in love with it; it was […]

Vintage finds picked up for a song and old furniture revamped with paint give this family home a cool, arty style Meet + greet Tash Stokes, 26, Arie Stokes, 31 (photographers and co-owners of Black Robin Photography), Ruby, 3, and George, 1, plus Bobby the family pooch. Thanks to a unique agreement with their landlord […]

Following their move from a character villa to a near-new home, this family got to work adding some personality to their property. Here’s how they did it Meet + greet Katy Rolleston, 38 (interior decorator at Katy Rolleston Design), James Rolleston, 37 (CEO of Spaceships Rentals), Freddy, 8, and Wilbur, 5, plus four-month-old puppy Goldie. […]

Turning their bach into their permanent home means the holiday vibes don't stop for this family.

All it took to transform this tired rental property was a creative eye, plenty of hard work and an unusual agreement with the landlord Four years ago, Tash and Arie Stokes made the decision to start a family and grow their photography business instead of buying a house and taking on a mortgage. But when […]

For this family, a shift from Auckland to Christchurch meant a near-new home with plenty of space and scope to make it their own This is a tale of two cities, two houses and the call of home. At least, it was for James Rolleston, who’d always wanted to move from Auckland back to his […]

After downsizing from a high-maintenance home to a sunny pre-designed new-build across town, this Rangiora family have no regrets Meet + Greet Jecasta South, 41 (homemaker), Pat South, 44 (sales manager at New Style Homes), Onika, 22, Jak, 18, Larkin, 12, and Mika, 10, plus Muffin the cat and Doogle the dog. Jecasta’s top tips for […]

A backdrop of off-white and pale wood allowed this couple to go bold with brilliant blues of every shade in their bach-turned-home.

This 1950s bungalow was run down with a cramped layout, no privacy and no outdoor living. Here’s how these homeowners completely transformed it Meet + greet Renay Robertson, 44 (founder and owner of Haven Skin Spa), and Stuart Robertson, 41 (owner of Mean Business). Problems & solutions Problem: Cramped layout Solution: Rooms opened up and […]

This creative owner proves that paint isn’t just for the walls. See how fun-loving ’50s style was the starting point for this home’s colourful makeover. Interior designer Becky Lee has transformed the former blank canvas of her 1950s Christchurch home. When she purchased the house – which she shares with partner Phil Tumataroa, a writer, […]

This home achieved its subtly glamorous feel through a masterful mix of elegant design, heirloom pieces and playful interior touches There is a hint that the transitional bungalow tucked into a neighbourhood of pretty white properties might offer something a bit out of the ordinary. The front door – which at first glance seems standard […]

This couple made it their mission to rescue their home from dated ‘improvements’ and connect it to the world outside Renay and Stuart Robertson had been living in Wellington for almost five years when, in 2012, they decided to return to their home city of Auckland. The couple owned an investment property in Remuera, and […]

In a muted world of beige and taupe, fashion designer turned interior designer Erina Emery offers a cure for the chromophobic in her Art Deco home When Erina Emery was on holiday in Bali last year, she spied a giant yellow cushion in the shape of a banana and carried it around with her all […]

Tranquil blues, white tongue-and-groove walls and Scandi style furniture create a calm vibe in this family home Meet + Greet Emma Zanchetta, (interior designer), Richard Zanchetta, (construction company managing director), Oliver, 6, Willow, 5, Ivy, 3, and Finn, 1. Favourite bits 1. The living space “Our family room is used the most as the kids […]

Basketwork, rattan pieces and plants in every room lend a soft boho touch to the no-fuss surfaces in this super-practical, eclectic home Sometimes, opportunity presents itself when you least expect it. Just ask Jecasta South and her husband, Pat. The couple moved to Rangiora seven years ago, after their Christchurch home was ruined in the […]

Swimming in sun and colour, this seaside sanctuary was built around an existing bach and now provides an art-filled environment for everyday living Deanna Eisenhofer and Marcel van den Assum don’t need to go away on holiday. As soon as they get home to their renovated house at Raumati Beach on the Kapiti Coast, they […]

Building their home around an existing lilly pilly tree helped this family create a warm, welcoming home inspired by nature Ask most homeowners about the inspiration for their renovation and they’ll often nominate established styles or abstract concepts. Not this couple. Their starting point was a huge lilly pilly tree in the backyard, and some […]

These three baches defy conventional design. One thing, in particular, they have in common is no bedrooms. Scroll down to see more 1. Pic’s Not-a-house When Pic Picot engaged architect Julian Mitchell to design something for his holiday section at Mārahau, he told him straight: he didn’t want a house. No house at all. Not an […]

Renovating and living in a mobile home for more than a year left this family questioning whether they’d want to live in a regular house ever again Climbing up through the hills of the Santa Rosa Valley, just south of the coastal city of Ventura, California, it’s easy to miss the turn off for Ashley […]

A vibrant swatch of bird-patterned fabric provided inspiration for a playful paint palette in this refreshed Te Awamutu home In September 2019, Amy and Mark Arnold finished a complete renovation of their home in Te Awamutu. When it came time to choose colours, Amy was thinking an all-white palette would be the best solution. “We’d […]

Timber floors layered with soft taupes and greys, spice-toned fabrics and natural textures create a welcoming, coastal interior vibe in this waterfront home Meet + Greet Kevin Thorne, 66 (retired), and Helen Thorne, 65 (retired), plus Meg, the griffon-poodle cross. Honesty box One thing you would change about your home if you could? Helen: I’d […]

A dark and dated Lockwood was the perfect project for this creative couple – and enticed them to trade city life for a surfer’s paradise Meet + greet Hilary Boer, 33 (illustrator), and Jasper Boer, 39 (photographer), plus Marley the cat. Problems & solutions Low ceilings > Tiles were removed to reveal high, pitched ceilings. […]

Simplicity rules at this blissful Great Barrier bach with bleached wood, worn finishes, beach-combed finds and every shade of blue Meet + greet Sarah Judkins, 47 (renovator), Jason Judkins, 49 (CEO of Hop Revolution), Zach, 16, and Madi, 13, plus Sammy the Labradoodle. Sarah’s tips for building on an island Use local tradespeople who understand […]

A dark and dated Lockwood was the perfect project for this creative couple – and enticed them to trade city life for a surfer’s paradise Hilary and Jasper Boer hadn’t planned on a move to the small coastal town of Raglan when they bought their home there five years ago. The purchase was meant to […]

This waterfront Whangārei home was crafted for easy living, close connections to nature and savouring time with family After raising their family in Onerahi, a stunning harbourside suburb of Whangarei, Helen and Kevin Thorne craved a simpler life. As retirement loomed, the couple envisioned more time spent on the things they loved, rather than maintaining […]

Building their idyllic home away from home was just the beginning of this family’s Great Barrier architecture adventure The Judkins family aren’t the type to sit around and do nothing on their summer holiday. Instead, after building, decorating and landscaping their dream bach on Aotea/Great Barrier Island, they set about renovating three dilapidated neighbouring cottages […]

Jolts of primary colour and collections of intriguing objects provide surprise and delight in this mid-century home Meet + Greet Francesca Storey, 42 (research fellow), Ben Storey, 43 (manager at Ernst & Young), Lola, 10, and Hattie, 7, plus Boonen the Flemish giant rabbit. Francesca’s decorating Tips Less is not more at Christmas. Let the […]

Vintage ceramics and heritage prints mingle with colourful accessories and contemporary furniture for a fun and eclectic vibe in this renovated bungalow Meet + Greet Mary-Ellen Hinton, 43 (interior designer at Hello Saturday Design), Matthew Hinton, 45 (technical director), Sybella, 10, Jasper, 8, and Evie, 7, plus Harry the cat. Honesty box Best lesson learned? […]

White spaces furnished in grey, black and cobalt blue create a cool, minimal Christmas look while foliage and star ornaments add festive freshness Meet + greet Pernille Baastrup Jakobsen, 32 (IT marketing consultant). Christmas styling for minimalists Start with a neutral background. Put away any extraneous or brightly coloured objects you normally have on display […]

Heritage style meets contemporary cool in a spacious and airy home where heirlooms mix easily with modern design classics Meet + Greet Jess Britten, 29 (stay-at-home mum, formerly in PR and events), Warren Durling, 32 (chief operating officer of Dovetail Studios), and Stevie, 1. Tree styling tips Lights first and plenty of them! Nothing says […]

A palette of blues and greys has given this Oamaru homestead a modern new look When the Simpsons bought their house in Oamaru five years ago, the colour scheme was far from what they’d dreamed of. “The entire house was a sea of beige and yellow – apart from one pink bedroom,” says Tessa Simpson. […]

A towering tree laden with flowers forms the centrepiece of a magical family Christmas in this century-old hall-turned-home At this time of year, that cheery Christmas carol Deck the Halls takes on a literal significance at Jess Britten and Warren Durling’s Auckland home. They’ve been converting an old hall in Ponsonby into their family home […]

The owner of this chic apartment decorates for Christmas with a traditional yet minimalist aesthetic in mind One of the pleasures of Christmas is the chance to revisit the past, retelling old family stories, sharing memories of people and times long ago, and digging out all those festive ornaments you’d almost forgotten about, some of […]

Christmas is a colourful affair in this 1920s Auckland bungalow where little family traditions make the season extra special A snowy white Christmas is something most Kiwis find difficult to envisage; after all, we’re busy enjoying backyard barbecues, camping trips and walks on the beach come December 25. So when New Zealander Mary-Ellen Hinton stayed […]

The renovation of this family home in Wellington may have been a slow burn but its joyful way with colour has warmed the heart from day one On a windy Wellington day, the yellow front door of Fran and Ben Storey’s Houghton Bay home is a vivid beacon amid a grey landscape. Beyond it lies […]

The maximalist sensibility behind this Havelock North home sees it filled with meaningful collectables Fifteen years ago, Stephen Eaton called his wife Aimee Stewart to tell her about a house he’d seen being built, raving about its crisp, clean lines and magnificent vistas. “I was slightly confused because the house in question was in Havelock […]

This neglected house was extended at the front, busted open on one side and extensively landscaped to create a family home perfect for outdoor living Meet + greet Annelies Leitch, 37 (home buyer at online fashion store Onceit), Ben Leitch, 37 (general manager), Harper, 3, and Hugh, 2, plus Cash the bulldog. Problems & Solutions […]

Simple, rustic shapes, hand-thrown pottery and furniture improvised from time-worn timber create a low-key, modern country home, here’s how to get the look 1. Be inspired by the environment Take cues for your home’s colour palette from the surrounding landscape. If you have a really spectacular view, keep your interiors clean and simple to avoid […]

A magic moment over a glass of wine gave rise to this retro-styled home that uses moody greens, rich timber and pops of vivid orange to create a calm yet cosy vibe A love of mid-century design and Mad Men inspired this Katikati new-build, which combines the style of the past with all the convenience […]

A cherished family home for three generations, these homeowners managed to pull of a sympathetic, modern update. Here’s what they learnt whilst renovating Meet + greet Michelle Wilson, 46 (part-time accounts manager), and Brent Smith, 48 (sales manager), plus Monty the cavoodle. Michelle & Brent’s top tips for renovating  Wait and live in the space […]

Moody seascapes, limestone, wood and grey-green tones give this home an elemental feel that anchors it to its clifftop site Meet + greet Sarah Kee, 42 (university student; also helps with her friend’s fashion label, Mahsa), Bruno, 14, and Elvis, 11. Honesty Box What did you learn from this renovation? Sarah: Go for it and […]

Knocking down the bach and building a permanent home in its place has resulted in the perfect mix of style and comfort for this Raumati couple Meet + Greet Bryan Gundersen, 70 (semi-retired barrister), Jan Gundersen, 67 (part-time legal secretary) Living at the bach permanently is a dream for many city-dwellers, but when it comes […]

Building new meant this Cambridge couple could relish outdoor living in a completely private setting. See inside their contemporary H-shaped new-build here Meet + Greet Nathan Milne, 43 (co-owner of Cambridge ITM), Kerry Milne, 41 (accountant and co-owner of Cambridge ITM), Carter, 11, and Caleb, 6. Kerry’s decorating tips Take photos of your space on […]

A sunny spot next to a cornfield was exactly the rural setting this young couple were looking for. Then all they had to do was build a house… When Mille Holm Rasmussen and her partner Morten were looking for a weekend retreat, their initial thoughts turned to something that floated. Morten had been dreaming about […]

This neglected house was extended at the front, busted open on one side and extensively landscaped to create a family home with perfect indoor-outdoor flow When Annelies and Ben Leitch first saw their one-acre property in the north Auckland suburb of Whenuapai, they didn’t see a rundown weatherboard house with tacked-on addition and out-of-date kitchen […]

Trading their rain-soaked tent for an old-school caravan has been the ticket to holiday happiness and magical memories for this Mt Maunganui clan

Building new meant this Cambridge couple could combine privacy, parties and poolside bliss into one perfect package The accountant in Kerry Milne loves things to be orderly, symmetrical and black and white – traits reflected in the house she shares with husband Nathan and their sons, Carter and Caleb. The Cambridge abode is a perfect […]

It’s a house that’s been cherished by her family for three generations – and this homeowner has ensured it’ll be loved for many years yet If walls could talk, Michelle Wilson’s home would be able to tell tales of her family stretching back nearly 80 years. The Christchurch house she shares with partner Brent Smith […]

A passion for international interiors and a love of entertaining shaped the style of this soulful seafront abode Walking around Sarah Kee’s home in Point Chevalier, Auckland, it’s clear she has exquisite taste. In most of the rooms you’ll find artworks, sculptures and artisanal furniture, each with a story to tell. But open the door […]

Rather than upsizing their small family home, this couple has made it work extra hard, squeezing a workspace, a film studio and plenty of play within its walls Meet + greet Julie Stuart, 35 (blogger), Matthew Stuart, 36 (design engineer), Harvey, 5, and Piper, 3. Julie’s tips for living in a small home Add plants […]

This beautiful, yet robust, family home in Nelson is built for maximum sun, catching rays all day long from its lofty spot Meet + greet Brooke Strang, 37 (owner and fashion designer for Wanoa Four), Andrew Strang, 40 (businessman), Milahn, 10, Harlin, 7, and Lenox, 4, plus puppy Koura. Honesty box Best lesson learned during […]

An untamed farm and basic barn house looking out towards Waihi Beach was the ideal project for this handy family. See the before and afters below Meet + greet Kate Clay, 42 (interior designer), Brent Clay, 49 (licensed building practitioner), Stella, 17, Riley, 8, and Tex, 7. Honesty box What did you do yourselves? And […]

This candy-coloured home makes you smile whether you’re inside or out Meet & Greet: Emma O’Meara (interior stylist), Simon O’Meara (plumber), Leni, 11, and Ginger, 8, plus Frankie the Labrador. Honesty box: What’s your top tip when building or renovating? Emma: “It’s so important to always ask questions, even if you think they sound silly. […]